By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 7, 2026
Find Criminal Justice Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
Criminal justice salaries in California
If you’re considering a career in criminal justice, California offers significant advantages, including high salaries, diverse job opportunities and ample resources for education and training. However, it’s important to balance these benefits with the state’s high cost of living and ensure that the specific area of California you choose aligns with your personal and professional goals. Take a more detailed look:
- High salaries: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California offers some of the highest salaries in the nation for criminal justice careers. For example, in California, the median annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers is significantly higher than the national average. Similarly, detectives in California often earn more than their counterparts in other states, and higher wages are also typical for correctional officers working in California.
- Diverse opportunities: California has a wide range of employment opportunities in the criminal justice field due to its large and diverse population, extensive law enforcement infrastructure, and numerous agencies at the local, state and federal levels.
- Abundant education resources: California is home to many respected educational institutions offering degrees and training programs in criminal justice. Some prominent universities and colleges include the University of California school system, which offers programs related to criminology, law and society. The California State University system offers numerous criminal justice programs across its campuses and the extensive community college system provides more affordable and accessible options for obtaining criminal justice degrees and certificates.
- Community Colleges: Provide more affordable and accessible options for obtaining criminal justice degrees and certifications.
- Innovation and research: California is known for its progressive approach to criminal justice reforms, including efforts to reduce incarceration rates, implement community policing and use technology and data analysis to improve public safety. This environment fosters innovation and offers opportunities for professionals interested in contributing to policy and systemic changes.
- Quality of life: While the cost of living can be high in California, the state’s diverse geography, cultural opportunities and generally favorable climate make it an attractive place to live and work.
With these reasons in mind, let’s take a look at salaries for different criminal justice careers using data from the BLS.
In this Article
Quick view
Though there are may careers under the criminal justice umbrella, we’ll focus on the largest group—law enforcement officers, including police and sheriff’s patrol officers. There are 68,010 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in California says the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, nearly four are police or sheriff’s officers. The BLS says California is the #1 state for highest employment of police and sheriffs in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $55 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.
Several geographical factors in California necessitate unique criminal justice related services in the state, including a need for U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the U.S. and Mexico divide. An extensive coastline requires specialized maritime law enforcement roles such as those in the U.S. Coast Guard, harbor police and agencies focused on combating illegal fishing, drug smuggling and human trafficking via sea routes. California’s vast forests and wildlands are prone to wildfires, which creates demand for fire investigators who specialize in determining the causes of wildfires, as well as roles in law enforcement agencies that handle arson investigations and prevention. Finally, as the home of Silicon Valley, California is a hub for technology companies, which requires cybercrime units within law enforcement agencies, focusing on digital forensics, cyber fraud and combating hacking and other technology-related crimes.
The following employers offer a variety of law enforcement opportunities in different environments and specialized fields, reflecting the diverse nature of law enforcement work in California.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), statewide agency with offices at LAX and other major airports, CA:
- CBP officers and Border Patrol agents are critical in managing and securing the U.S.-Mexico border. They work to prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling and other cross-border crimes. Their duties include patrolling border areas, inspecting cargo and vehicles at ports of entry and conducting surveillance operations.
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Sacramento, CA:
- CDFW game wardens enforce laws related to hunting, fishing and environmental protection. They investigate poaching, illegal fishing activities and habitat destruction. They also play a crucial role in wildfire response and investigating the causes of wildfires, as well as educating the public on conservation issues.
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Los Angeles, CA:
- The LAPD is one of the largest municipal police forces in the United States. Officers in the LAPD are involved in a wide range of activities, from traditional law enforcement and community policing to specialized units that address gang violence, cybercrime, counterterrorism and narcotics enforcement. The LAPD also emphasizes community relations and cultural competency to effectively serve Los Angeles’s diverse population.
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Mather, CA:
- Cal OES coordinates the state’s response to major emergencies and disasters. Professionals in this agency work on disaster planning, response, recovery and mitigation. This includes deploying resources and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies during disasters. They also focus on improving public safety and emergency preparedness across the state.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Sacramento (main HQ) and statewide, CA:
- CDCR operates numerous state prisons and parole systems. Correctional officers, parole officers and rehabilitation specialists work to manage and rehabilitate the inmate population. This includes maintaining security and order within facilities, overseeing parolees and implementing rehabilitation and reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism and helping former inmates reintegrate into society.
Criminal justice salary stats for California
Criminal justice professionals—a category that includes careers in cyber security, local and federal law enforcement, legal professions, emergency management, forensics and corrections—pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education. Here are median annual salaries for different careers under the criminal justice umbrella nationally and in California.
National salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for criminal justice roles in CA
Median annual salaries for criminal justice careers specific to California state are as follows:
- Corrections officer:
- These professionals oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Median annual pay in California: $95,840
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic science technicians collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, often specializing in areas such as DNA analysis or toxicology. Median annual pay in California: $96,850
- Law enforcement officer:
- These officers maintain order, enforce laws and respond to emergencies in communities across the state. Median annual pay in California: $115,400
- Private investigator:
- Private detectives and investigators work on a variety of cases such as fraud, missing persons and legal investigations, often for private clients or businesses. Median annual pay in California: $60,210
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals assist lawyers by maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents. Median annual pay in California: $72,960
- Fish and game warden:
- These wardens enforce laws related to wildlife, hunting and fishing, and they may also participate in search and rescue operations and environmental conservation efforts. Median annual pay in California: $94,990
- Emergency management director:
- Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies and coordinate the response efforts during and after these events. Median annual pay in California: $126,210
- Information security analysts:
- Information security analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer systems and networks. They are essential in preventing data breaches, cyberattacks and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information. Given California’s status as a tech hub, particularly with Silicon Valley, these professionals are critical to the state. Median annual pay in California: $140,660
Median criminal justice salary in California
The median annual salary for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in California is $115,400. Besides the state’s being ranked #1 for highest employment of police and sheriffs, California also ranks #1 for highest paying state, according to the BLS. However, it’s important to note that salaries may be based on experience, education and location within the state. Here are median salaries for cities within California as well as state-wide medians.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$76,010
25%$92,330
50%$115,400Median
75%$128,470
90%$151,160
Median Hourly Wage$55
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment65,170
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $150,650 | $103,900 | $192,430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $133,190 | $87,780 | $153,070 |
| Napa, CA | $128,980 | $83,840 | $153,350 |
| Vallejo, CA | $128,470 | $98,810 | $158,640 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $123,140 | $80,350 | $148,990 |
| Salinas, CA | $122,290 | $77,440 | $146,740 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $121,370 | $81,070 | $126,780 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $121,050 | $75,300 | $124,980 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $119,580 | $77,230 | $126,090 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,630 | $76,730 | $132,120 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for criminal justice careers in California
The salary range for police and sheriffs in California typically spans from $76,010 to $151,160 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level and high-rank roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, rank, whether a degree has been earned and time in the position.
Pay by metro area for criminal justice careers in California
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Los Angeles—which has one of the largest police forces in the country—or San Francisco or San Jose, which are in close proximity to Silicon Valley, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. for different criminal justice career fields:
Police and sheriffs
As you can see, California metro areas pay highest across the board, taking all of the top five spots, and with San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara at #1.
Paralegals and legal assistants
California again takes the top two spots, with San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara again at #1 for paralegal pay and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward at #2.
Private investigators
California ranks #3 for pay of detectives and private investigators, with San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward securing that spot. Here are the top paying cities in the nation according to the BLS:
Salary growth and job outlook
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers have a 3.1% job growth rate predicted through 2034 says the BLS. This is just slightly higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other criminal justice career job growth rates are as follows:
| Criminal justice career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2034 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 0.2% |
| Corrections officers | -7.8% |
| Information security analysts | 28.5% |
| Private investigators | 6% |
| Forensic science technicians | 12.8% |
| Emergency management directors | 3% |
Factors affecting salaries in California
Earnings in criminal justice careers in California are influenced by a combination of high living costs, specialized demand for certain roles, the location of the job, the level of competition and the state’s economic conditions. Here are a few factors that may influence the salaries of criminal justice professionals in the state:
- High cost of living:
- California, particularly cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, has one of the highest costs of living in the country. Salaries are often higher to compensate for this, which can attract professionals but also drive up competition. Employers may offer higher wages to attract and retain employees who need to cover the cost of housing, transportation and other living expenses.
- Demand for specific roles:
- Due to unique geographical features, certain roles are in higher demand in California. For instance, border security roles are crucial along the Mexico-California border, and wildfire investigation roles are essential due to the state’s susceptibility to wildfires. High demand can lead to higher salaries as agencies and companies compete for qualified professionals. For example, information security analysts may command higher wages in tech-centric regions like Silicon Valley.
- Location:
- Urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to offer higher salaries due to the increased cost of living and higher demand for law enforcement and security roles. Rural areas may offer lower salaries but could also have a lower cost of living.
- Education and experience:
- Higher education and specialized training can lead to better-paying positions. California offers numerous educational opportunities that can enhance career prospects in criminal justice. Professionals with advanced degrees or specialized training in areas like cyber security, forensic science or emergency management are likely to earn higher salaries.
- Competition:
- California’s desirable living conditions and high salaries can attract a large number of qualified candidates, increasing competition for desirable positions, particularly in prestigious agencies or high-demand specialties.
High competition can be a double-edged sword; while it may drive salaries up as employers compete for top talent, it can also make it harder for less experienced candidates to secure positions. - Economy and budgets:
- California’s budget allocations for public safety, law enforcement and corrections can be iffy and impact the number and types of jobs available, as well as salary levels. During times of budget surplus, there may be more hiring and higher salaries. Conversely, budget cuts can lead to hiring freezes or reduced salaries.
- Unionization:
- Many law enforcement and public safety roles in California are unionized, which can lead to better wages, benefits and working conditions through collective bargaining. Unionized positions often have standardized pay scales that ensure competitive salaries and regular increases.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a law enforcement officer in California?
To determine if you are being paid fairly as a criminal justice employee in California, combine salary research, professional resources, cost of living adjustments and job market trends to create an accurate picture of what is fair pay in your area. Here are steps to help you with the process.
- Research comparable salary data: Check the BLS website for wage data specific to your job title and region. The BLS provides comprehensive statistics on average salaries for various criminal justice professions in California. Other websites such as Payscale, Glassdoor and Indeed offer salary information based on job title, location and experience. These platforms can provide insight into median salaries for similar positions in your area.
- Use local and state government resources: There are several state resources that can assist if you have a grievance, such as the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), which enforce California’s labor laws, including wage and hour laws. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) enforces state laws that protect workers from discrimination, including pay discrimination. Also, various sections of the California Labor Code provide protections related to pay and compensation.
- Use your union: If you are a member of a union, your union can be a valuable resource for addressing pay discrepancies. Unions often have grievance procedures and can provide legal assistance and representation.
- Factor in cost of living adjustments: Compare your salary against the cost of living in your area. Use tools like the Cost of Living Index to see how your salary stands in your specific region in relation to nearby or other areas in California.
- Consider your education and experience: Assess whether your education level, certifications and years of experience align with your current salary or co-workers’ salary. Higher qualifications and extensive experience should correspond to higher pay.
- Look at job market trends: Stay informed about trends in the criminal justice job market in California. It’s likely that salaries generally are increasing in the state due to high demands for certain specializations that could command higher pay. If you specialize in one of these high demand areas, is your employer keeping up with your worth?
- Consider legal aid organizations: Several nonprofit organizations and legal aid societies, such as Legal Aid at Work, offer free legal assistance to workers with wage and hour issues.
Steps to take:
- Document the discrepancy: Keep detailed records of your hours worked, pay stubs and any communications with your employer regarding your pay.
- Report the issue to your employer first: If possible, discuss the issue with your employer or HR department to see if it can be resolved internally.
- File a complaint: If the issue is not resolved, file a complaint with the appropriate agency (DLSE, DFEH, EEOC) based on the nature of your pay discrepancy.
- Seek legal assistance: If needed, seek assistance from legal aid organizations or consult with an employment attorney.
Education and training
While the educational requirements for criminal justice careers in California generally align with national standards, certain roles have additional or unique requirements specific to the state. These often involve state-mandated training programs, certifications or specialized education to address California’s unique legal, environmental and technological landscape. If you are pursuing a criminal justice career in California, it is important to be aware of these additional requirements and plan your education and training accordingly. Here’s an overview of both the common and unique educational requirements for various criminal justice careers in California:
Correctional officers
Education: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some positions may prefer or require some college education or relevant coursework in criminal justice.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has specific training academies and ongoing training requirements unique to the state, and California correctional officers may receive additional training in areas such as rehabilitation programs and dealing with diverse inmate populations.
Law enforcement officers
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement in California. Completion of a police academy training program is required. Some departments may prefer or require some college coursework or a degree in criminal justice or a related field.
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) sets specific training and certification standards for law enforcement officers in the state. Completing a POST-certified academy is mandatory. This requirement ensures officers meet state-specific training standards, which might be more comprehensive than in some other states.
Paralegals
Education: An associate degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certificate is required in California. Several professional certifications are available to specialize in an area of law, or in general.
Fish and game wardens
In addition to a college degree, California fish and game wardens must complete the POST-certified academy and specific training related to California’s unique ecosystems and wildlife laws. This additional training ensures wardens are well-versed in state-specific environmental and conservation issues.
Cost of living considerations in California
The cost of living in California is notably higher than the national average, driven by various factors including housing, transportation, and general living expenses. Housing is the most significant factor contributing to the high cost of living. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego have some of the highest housing costs in the country. Additionally, California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country, with a top marginal rate of 13.3% for high earners. The state’s sales tax is also a contributor at 7.25%, and when combined with local sales taxes, it can be as high as 10.25% in some areas.
Cost of living overview:
The San Francisco Bay Area, including cities like San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, is among the most expensive places to live, driven primarily by housing costs. Southern California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego also have high living costs, with significant expenses in housing, transportation and entertainment. Regions such as the Central Valley and parts of Northern California away from the coast tend to have a lower cost of living compared to coastal and urban areas. RentCafe says California as a whole is 38% higher than the national average.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
Major cities in California that are above the national average include some of the cities that have the highest employment of criminal justice professionals. For example cyber security and tech hubs make up the majority of high cost of living cities. These include Sunnyvale (125% higher), San Jose (75% higher), San Francisco (71% higher); and law enforcement hubs such as Los Angeles (50% higher) and San Diego (42% higher).
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
There are cities in California that have lower costs of living than the state average, which is different than the national average. These cities are still higher than the national average, but may offer a lower cost of living compared to the state average: Palm Springs, Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto make the list.
California professional associations for criminal justice
These associations offer networking resources, support and professional development opportunities for individuals working in various criminal justice fields in the state of California:
California Peace Officers Association (CPOA): CPOA is a leading association for law enforcement professionals in California, providing training, advocacy and networking opportunities.
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA): CCPOA represents correctional officers and other employees within California’s correctional system, focusing on labor rights, professional development and advocacy.
California Association of Criminalists (CAC): CAC is a professional organization for forensic science professionals in California, promoting the field of criminalistics through education, research and collaboration.
California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA): CPPCA is dedicated to the advancement of probation, parole, and correctional professions in California, offering support, advocacy and professional development.
This salary guide for California aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many career fields under the criminal justice umbrella in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future in California.